Easy Lasagna Recipe with Cottage Cheese: A Comfort Food Classic
Lasagna, that culinary masterpiece of layered pasta, meaty sauce, and creamy cheese, often seems intimidating. But fear not! This recipe simplifies the process, making a delicious lasagna with cottage cheese surprisingly easy and quick. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and impressing guests alike.
Why Cottage Cheese?
While ricotta is traditional, cottage cheese offers a unique twist. Its slightly tangy, less sweet flavor profile provides a delightful counterpoint to the rich tomato sauce and layers of pasta. It also adds a delightful creaminess without being overly heavy. This makes for a lighter, yet still satisfying, lasagna experience.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 6-8 people. Adjust quantities as needed.
- For the meat sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a vegetarian substitute)
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- For the cheese mixture:
- 15 oz cottage cheese (low-fat or whole milk)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Other ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready preferred for ease)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
- Make the Cottage Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat layers: noodles, cottage cheese mixture, and remaining meat sauce. Top with the final layer of noodles and sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetarian Lasagna: Substitute the ground beef with vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little heat.
- Add Spinach: Incorporate a cup of fresh spinach into the cottage cheese mixture for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Make it Ahead: Assemble the lasagna ahead of time and bake it when ready. It can also be refrigerated overnight and baked the next day.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this easy lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
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